Job Discussion Forums

Nadan · Joined: 15 Dec 2010 Posts: 13

Hi All,

I received an offer from Berlitz in Dubai, the package I have been offered is really quite low compared to the offers in the KSA. Has anybody taught there or knows anyone who has?

Thanks!

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

Is this foreign hire? Berlitz and all other language schools normally hire spouses already in country who already have a visa and give salary only with no benefits.

I wouldn't consider them if you are single or main wage earner.

VS

Nadan · Joined: 15 Dec 2010 Posts: 13

Yes I don't reside in the UAE so was quite surprised that they actually responded to my application. I would've gone there as a single person so this is probably why the salary package is not that great at all.

secretsquirrel · Posted: Wed Oct 19, 2011 6:13 pm Post subject:

A Berlitz contract is about as desirable as a dose of anthrax. They're one or two steps below EF (see recent posting below).

Yes, to be avoided at ALL costs!!

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

To be fair, all Berlitz-es pay on the extreme low end of the scale. The theory is that, because no prep is required, pay can be something slightly more than half a normal wage at a regular private language school where prep is needed.

current example: http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewtopic.php?t=2793

Berlitz is know for low low pay in Europe and North America as well.

Where I'm from, they are known as the school that will take CELTA and other TEFL course failures. Because Berlitz requires that its teachers use their own patented (dinosaur-era) approach, it's often not a useful reference on one's CV later on, either.

I hear that a few Berlitz locations are updating their approach a bit these days, but the drooling doggie drill seems to be still the norm at most locations.

volgaman · Posted: Fri Oct 21, 2011 9:57 am Post subject:

Yup. All you need at Berlitz is basic literacy and a pulse.